Short-haired breeds
Bengal: personality, life span and weight
The Bengal is a short-haired breed with leopard-like rosettes and a muscular body. It is very active and clever and suits a keeper who has time to play a lot.
- Energetic
- Clever
- Likes water
Bengal at a glance
- Adult weight
- 3.5–7 kg
- Life span
- 12–16 years
- Shedding
- low
- Activity
- active
- Origin
- United States (began with crosses between the Asian leopard cat and domestic cats)
- Coat
- Glossy short coat with leopard-like spots (rosettes) or marbling
Bengal personality
It loves to run, climb and play with water. It is vocal about what it wants and may teach itself to open doors or turn on a tap. Without an outlet for its energy it may knock things over or race around the house.
Coat care and daily care
The coat needs brushing once a week, but play is the heart of Bengal care. Have hunting games at least twice a day until the cat is out of breath, and provide a cat wheel or high shelves. Puzzle feeders also suit it.
Health problems Bengal keepers should know
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)Regular heart checks are recommended.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-b) and PK deficiencyBoth can be checked with a genetic test.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Bengal photos from cat keepers
Photo tip Sunlight shows the "glitter" in the coat. Catch the profile at the moment of a long stretch.
There are no public records yet. Your cat could be the first.
Add my cat and start a diaryBengal questions and answers
- How long do Bengal cats live?
- An indoor Bengal typically lives about 12–16 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Bengal weigh?
- A fully grown Bengal usually weighs 3.5–7 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Bengal cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is low. Glossy short coat with leopard-like spots (rosettes) or marbling. The coat needs brushing once a week, but play is the heart of Bengal care. Have hunting games at least twice a day until the cat is out of breath, and provide a cat wheel or high shelves. Puzzle feeders also suit it.
- What is the Bengal personality like?
- It loves to run, climb and play with water. It is vocal about what it wants and may teach itself to open doors or turn on a tap. Without an outlet for its energy it may knock things over or race around the house.